The Republican National Convention (RNC) on Wednesday (July 17) focused on foreign policy and military issues. That evening, JD Vance officially accepted the Republican vice-presidential nomination, taking the national stage to address American voters.
The theme of the Republican Convention on the third day was “Make America Great Again,” featuring prominent figures from the Trump administration, including hawkish figures on China, Peter Navarro, and Richard Grenell.
Navarro played a crucial role in promoting the tariff-centered U.S.-China trade war during the Trump administration. Previously, he spent four months in jail for refusal to cooperate with a congressional investigation into the 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol, and was released on Wednesday morning.
During the Trump administration, Grenell served as the U.S. Ambassador to Germany and Acting Director of National Intelligence, being a key supporter of the “America First” agenda.
However, the highlight of the evening on the third day was Vance’s keynote speech, providing him with the opportunity to introduce himself to the American people.
Vance, starting his address, expressed that the day could have been one of “heartbreak and mourning” due to the attack on Trump.
“But tonight is a night of hope – under God’s grace, America will soon regain its former glory,” he said.
At 39 years old, Vance rose to fame in 2016 with his memoir “Hillbilly Elegy.” Despite previously criticizing Trump harshly, he recently stated that it was due to believing “media lies and distortions.”
Ultimately, before running for Senator in 2022, Vance won Trump’s favor and became a loyal follower thereafter.
Trump announced on Monday that Vance would be his running mate, ending months of speculation. On Wednesday night, Vance officially accepted the Republican vice-presidential nomination.
“I formally accept your nomination to be Vice President of the United States (candidate),” Vance said amid applause, with Trump in attendance standing up and applauding in response.
Trump chose a 39-year-old rookie senator from the heartland of America over more experienced Republicans, believed to be in anticipation of the future of his political movement.
Sources close to Trump told CNN that he hopes Vance will continue to lead the party after his term ends, a expectation not held for former Vice President Pence.
In his speech, Vance lauded Trump’s call for American unity.
“In the past eight years, President Trump has fought with all his might for the country. He doesn’t need politics, but the country needs him,” Vance said.
“They say he’s a tyrant. They say he must be stopped at all costs. But how did he respond? Just after the assassin nearly took his life, he called for national unity.”
“Then, President Trump flew to Milwaukee and got back to work. That’s the man I’ve known personally over the past few years. He’s tough – indeed very tough – but he cares about the people,” Vance said.
Vance made a promise to the voters: “I promise every American that, regardless of your party affiliation, I will dedicate myself to you.”
He added, “I will serve you and make this country fulfill every dream of yours, your family, and your country once again.”
Before Vance took the stage, his wife Usha Vance shared their story of meeting at Yale Law School.
She said, “He comes from a working-class background, overcame childhood traumas I could barely imagine, eventually attended Yale Law School. He’s a strong Marine Corps vet who served in Iraq, but his idea of a good time is playing with a puppy, watching ‘Babe’.”
Usha also emphasized their diverse backgrounds. She said she grew up in a middle-class community in San Diego, with parents who were immigrants from India.
“JD and I being able to meet, let alone fall in love and get married, is proof of this great country,” she said.